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Introducting a Queen Cell - Do you have to wait?

When putting ripe cells in mating nucs...

Do you have to (or should you) wait 24 hours? Or can you install them as soon as you make up the nuc?
Do you have to keep ripe cells upright all the time? I swear I've seen guys with just a bunch of them in a cooler on a warm cloth...

Re: Introducting a Queen Cell - Do you have to wait?

I have always added the cell the same day the nucs were made. I usually make the nucs, then remove the bar of ripe cells from the starter/finisher colony and start putting them in. I try to keep cells upright, but if the cells are ready to emerge in 12 to 24 hours the queen's wings should not be damaged by laying the cell on it's side. I try not to jar the cells or allow them to cool.

Re: Introducting a Queen Cell - Do you have to wait?

I put cells in as I make the nucs up. I've done it the other way and made them up the day before, but it's easier to just do everything at once for me. They don't get the chance to get any smart ideas of making their own queen this way.

Re: Introducting a Queen Cell - Do you have to wait?

Yep, put them in at the same time. You can use cell protectors to make sure they don't get torn down or even a roller cage, but then you have to release the virgin after she hatches, easier just to put the cell in. The last few I did, I made the nuc, took it with me to pick up the cells, put all the cells in it, brought them back, and distributed as needed. Cells emerged next day, queens were laying as of yesterday which was day 11 post emergence.